“How long do you stay in hospital after jaw surgery?”

Many times overnight for observation but in some cases it is an outpatient surgery.

Hospitalization following orthognathic surgery is a variable matter. Jaw surgery to "fix my jaw" might only involve one jaw, or might require repositioning of both jaws, and sometimes the chin. Some patients have more complicated general health considerations that affect hospital stay time. Some patients can be sent home on day of surgery after suitable anesthesia recovery. Many patients have an overnight stay. Surgical or anesthesia complications can result in longer hospital stays, but that is a very rare matter. This question should be more accurately answered by your Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon, as he or she knows the specifics of your case.

Phillip Cary, DDS

My patients usually spend less than 24 hours in the hospital recovering from a jaw surgery. We find that most patients do much better once they are home and in a more comfortable environment.

Depending on the type of jaw surgery you are having (upper jaw, lower jaw, or both jaws) you may be admitted and observed in the hospital postoperatively. Most patients stay overnight and are safe for discharge on the first postoperative day.

A 2-4 day stay in the hospital, 1-3 weeks off work or school, and up to 12 weeks of recovery time.